Factors Associated with Overweight among Workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Benin in 2023 ()
1. Introduction
Overweight is the result of weight gain and includes overweight and obesity. These are global problems that are increasing at an alarming and uncontrollable rate. According to recent global estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, the number of obesity cases has almost tripled since 1975. 39% of adults aged 18 and over were overweight in 2016 and 13% were obese. The global burden of excess weight is estimated at 2.8 billion deaths per year [1]. Obesity, therefore, constitutes a real public health problem [2]. Associated with increased risks of morbidities such as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or “type 2 diabetes”, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders as well as several types of cancers, obesity would reduce life expectancy by two to three years and extreme obesity would reduce it by more than eight years [3]. The prevalence of overweight is estimated at 20% - 50% by 2025 in Africa [4]. Studies show that in adult populations, 20.8% of Nigerians are overweight, 31.3% of South Africans are obese, and 37.1% and 27.8% of Ghanaians are overweight and obese respectively [5] [6].
In Benin, the results of the fight against obesity remain below expectations. Indeed, certain studies carried out in Ouidah, Cotonou and rural areas have noted obesity prevalence far higher than the national average: 28.2% in rural areas and 52.5% in metropolitan areas; women are the most affected, with a prevalence four times larger than that of men. These high prevalences of MS may be linked to food processing, in which the consumption of natural foods has decreased and the consumption of processed foods has increased very significantly, leading to an unbalanced food intake in terms of nutrients [7]. In addition, the reduction in meals made at home, the increase in consumption of fast food and the brevity of meal periods [8], socioeconomic status, low level of physical activity, consumption of beverages sweet or energetic meals and environmental factors [9] are also contributing factors.
To our knowledge, few studies have been carried out in the workplace on this topic. Given the lack of data on overweight among workers and in order to contribute to better prevention of this emerging risk, we carried out a study to determine the prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among workers of the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service in 2023.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Framework of the Study
The study was carried out on the various sites housing Ministry of Labor and Public Service (MTFP) workers and spread across all departments. Constituting one of the twenty-four ministries of the Government of the Republic of Benin, this ministry is composed of:
Structures directly attached to the minister;
People and services directly attached to the minister;
Minister’s office;
General Secretariat of the Ministry;
Central management;
Technical directions;
Organization under supervision.
2.2. Study Methods
1) Type and period of study
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical purposes. The investigation took place over a period of four (04) months, from August 16 to December 17, 2023.
2) Study population
The study population consisted of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service civil servants.
3) Inclusion criteria
Be an employee of the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service in 2023 and have given informed consent to participate in the study.
4) Non-inclusion criteria
Be admitted to retirement or be a worker on mission or be a worker on leave.
5) Sampling
Sample size
The sample size was calculated with the following Schwartz formula:
p = 77.7% (Prevalence of overweight among bankers in the city of Arusha, Tanzania) [10],
n = sample size,
Zα = 1.96, which is the reduced deviation for a risk of error α = 5%,
q = 100 − p and p = 77.7%,
i = 0.05 (desired precision),
n = 266 workers,
A margin of 10% was applied to this size; hence, N = 292 workers.
Sampling technique
The sampling used is non-probabilistic, with exhaustive selection of all subjects meeting the inclusion criteria.
6) Variables
Overweight: is considered overweight any worker with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).
Overweight includes overweight (25 kg/m2, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²).
Overweight was dichotomized into yes and no for the purposes of analysis.
The independent variables were related to:
Socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, number of children);
Occupational characteristics (workstation, sedentary work, means of travel to work). Workstations were subdivided into three (03) categories:
Execution position;
Design level A: design, management and senior management positions;
Design level B: middle management, application and drafting positions.
Lifestyle characteristics (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sleep duration). Physical activity was classified into three (03) categories: intense physical activity (at least 30 min of activity per day), moderate physical activity (physical activity two to three times per week), low physical activity (one or no physical activity per week).
Sleep duration was divided into two phases: less than eight (08) hours and greater than or equal to eight (08) hours (Simon R. et al., 2005).
Characteristics related to workers’ diet (daily eating practices, meal frequency, type of meal). For these last two types of characteristics, two criteria were used: frequently, which corresponds to several times a week, and rarely, which represents at most once a week.
Anthropometric characteristics (weight, height, BMI);
Family history of overweight (overweight ascendants, overweight collaterals. Ascendants refer to siblings, while collaterals refer to brothers and sisters, cousins and aunts and uncles. The term “generally” refers to more than half the people concerned.
2.3. Data Collection Techniques and Tools
1) Data collection tools
The data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to the respondents.
A pre-test of the questionnaire was carried out to ensure clarity and make adjustments if necessary in order to have a definitive interview guide. The author had to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire with a sample of around ten workers.
Anthropometric data was collected using physical measuring instruments such as mechanical scales for adults [model 761, SECA] and mobile measuring rods graduated, respectively for weight and height measurements.
The other data was collected by declaration from the worker.
The questionnaire contained 76 items divided into six (06) sections. The data collected concerned sociodemographic, professional, anthropometric, behavioral, sociocultural characteristics and medical history.
2) Data collection techniques
Prerequisites for data collection.
The collection phase was preceded by training of interviewers on questionnaire administration techniques so that they are able to properly explain the different questions to the workers selected as part of our study to collect the right information.
Contact was made with the authorities at various levels to explain the objectives of the study to them. A work schedule has been drawn up for the project.
3) Performing data collection
The investigators collected the information at the different sites in the study setting.
At the end of each working day, the completeness and consistency of the data were checked.
2.4. Statistical Analysis
The data were analyzed with R 4.0.4 software. Proportions and their confidence intervals were calculated for qualitative variables. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The normality of the distribution was checked with the Shapiro test.
A bivariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression was carried out to search for associated factors. The choice of variables to enter into the initial model was made on the basis of the literature review and statistical tests. The initial model included the variables at the 20% conservation threshold after the bivariate analyses, as well as the interaction terms with the main explanatory variable. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and its 95% confidence interval [95% CI] were used as a measure of association. The significance level was less than 0.05.
2.5. Considerations Ethical
Authorization was requested and obtained from the Minister of Labor and Civil Service before the start of the study. Individual informed consent was obtained from each participant. The data was collected and processed with respect for confidentiality and human rights.
3. Results
3.1. Sociodemographic and Professional Characteristics
A total of 379 workers participated in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the workers surveyed were as follows: an average age of 44.86 years ± 7.67 years, with 202 (53.30%) workers at least 45 years old; a male predominance with 228 (60.16%) men; a married life among 231 (60.95%) workers; a number of children of at least three among 243 (64.12%) workers.
As for the professional characteristics, they were as follows: 260 (68.60%) of the 379 workers surveyed were in level B design positions (middle management, application and writing positions), while 188 (49.60%) of them traveled by car to get to the service.
3.2. Behavioral Characteristics
Table 1 presents the distribution of workers interviewed according to their lifestyle.
Of the 379 workers surveyed, 9 (2.37%) consumed tobacco; 248 (65.44%) took alcoholic beverages; 215 (56.72%) had low physical activity practice, and 329 (86.81%) had a sleep duration of at least 10 hours.
Table 1. Distribution of workers surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service according to lifestyle (n = 379).
|
n |
% |
| Taking alcoholic beverages (beer, sodabi, wine) |
|
|
| No |
131 |
34.56 |
| Yes |
248 |
65.44 |
| Tobacco consumption |
|
|
| No |
370 |
97.63 |
| Yes |
9 |
2.37 |
| Physical activity |
|
|
| Weak |
215 |
56.72 |
| Moderate |
139 |
36.68 |
| Intense |
25 |
6.60 |
| Sleep duration |
|
|
| <8 |
50 |
13.19 |
| ≥8 |
329 |
86.81 |
3.3. Family History of Obesity
Table 2 presents the distribution of workers interviewed according to their family history of obesity.
The family history of obesity among workers was as follows: 141 (37.20%) workers had obese parents, and 98 (25.86%) had obese family members.
Table 2. Distribution of workers surveyed in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public service according to family history of obesity (n = 379).
|
n |
% |
| Obese parents |
|
|
| No |
238 |
62.80 |
| Yes |
141 |
37.20 |
| Members of your family who are generally obese |
|
|
| No |
281 |
74.14 |
| Yes |
98 |
25.86 |
3.4. Power-Related Features
Table 3 presents the distribution of workers interviewed according to their diet.
Among the workers surveyed, 157 (41.42%) frequently consumed poultry, 136 (35.88%) frequently ingested dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), and 106 (27.97%) frequently took sweet foods.
Table 3. Distribution of workers surveyed in 2022 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service according to diet (n = 379).
|
n |
% |
| Vegetable consumption |
|
|
| Frequently |
248 |
65.44 |
| Rarely |
131 |
34.56 |
| Fruit consumption |
|
|
| Frequently |
341 |
89.97 |
| Rarely |
38 |
10.03 |
| Consumption of sweet foods |
|
|
| Rarely |
273 |
72.03 |
| Frequently |
106 |
27.97 |
| Consumption of sugary drinks |
|
|
| Frequently |
321 |
84.70 |
| Rarely |
58 |
15.30 |
| Poultry consumption |
|
|
| Frequently |
157 |
41.42 |
| Rarely |
222 |
58.58 |
| Consumption of red meat |
|
|
| Frequently |
126 |
33.25 |
| Rarely |
253 |
66.75 |
| Consumption of corn dough |
|
|
| Rarely |
321 |
84.70 |
| Frequently |
58 |
15.30 |
| Consumption of dairy products |
|
|
| Frequently |
136 |
35.88 |
| Rarely |
243 |
64.12 |
| Snacking |
|
|
| No |
68 |
17.94 |
| Yes |
311 |
82.06 |
3.5. Medical Background
The medical history of the workers surveyed was distributed as follows: high blood pressure (29.29%), diabetes (34.56%), spinal pain (6.60%), and respiratory failure (2.11%).
Figure 1 below shows the distribution of medical histories among the workers surveyed.
Figure 1. Distribution of workers surveyed at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in 2023 according to their medical history (n = 379).
3.6. Prevalence of Overweight
Table 4 presents the distribution of workers interviewed according to overweight.
Among the 379 workers surveyed, 240, or 63.32%, 95% CI: [58.23 - 68.15] were overweight.
Table 4. Distribution of workers surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service according to overweight (n = 379).
| BMI |
n |
% |
| Thinness |
6 |
1.59 |
| Normal |
133 |
35.09 |
| Overweight |
240 |
63.32 |
3.7. Factors Associated with Being Overweight among Workers Surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Bivariate Analysis
3.7.1. Overweight and Sociodemographic and Professional
Characteristics
Table 5 presents the relationships between the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the workers surveyed and overweight.
According to this table, there is a statistically significant association between overweight and sex (p < 0.001). Likewise, the use of a means of transportation was significantly associated with being overweight (p = 0.034). Age, number of children and marital status were not significantly associated with overweight (p > 0.05).
Table 5. Overweight and sociodemographic characteristics and professional workers surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service (n = 379).
|
Overweight |
|
|
| Yes |
No |
Total |
p-value |
| n (%) |
n (%) |
| Age |
|
|
|
0.789 |
| [25, 35) |
22 (9.17) |
13 (9.35) |
35 |
|
| [35, 45) |
93 (38.75) |
49 (35.25) |
142 |
|
| [45, 100] |
125 (52.08) |
77 (55.40) |
202 |
|
| Sex |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| Male |
114 (47.50) |
114 (82.01) |
228 |
|
| Feminine |
126 (52.50) |
25 (17.99) |
151 |
|
| Number of children |
|
|
|
0.078 |
| <3 |
94 (39.17) |
42 (30.22) |
136 |
|
| ≥3 |
146 (60.83) |
97 (69.78) |
243 |
|
| Marital status |
|
|
|
0.362 |
| Bachelor |
94 (39.17) |
53 (38.13) |
147 |
|
| Married |
146 (60.83) |
85 (61.15) |
231 |
|
| Widowed/Divorced |
0 (0.00) |
1 (0.72) |
1 |
|
| Workplace |
|
|
|
0.465 |
| Execution station |
49 (20.42) |
35 (25.18) |
84 |
|
| Level A design position |
21 (8.75) |
14 (10.07) |
35 |
|
| Level B design position |
170 (70.83) |
90 (64.75) |
260 |
|
| Moving means |
|
|
|
0.034 |
| Walk |
6 (2.50) |
8 (5.76) |
14 |
|
| Motorbike |
104 (43.33) |
73 (52.52) |
177 |
|
| Car |
130 (54.17) |
58 (41.73) |
188 |
|
3.7.2. Overweight and Medical Background
Table 6 presents the association between the medical history of the workers surveyed and overweight.
According to this table, there is a statistically significant association between being overweight and high blood pressure as well as with diabetes (p < 0.001).
Table 6. Association between the medical histories of the workers surveyed at Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service and overweight (n = 379).
|
Overweight |
|
|
| Yes |
No |
Total |
p-value |
| n (%) |
n (%) |
| High blood pressure |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
139 (57.92) |
129 (92.81) |
268 |
|
| Yes |
101 (42.08) |
10 (7.19) |
111 |
|
| Diabetes |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
114 (47.50) |
134 (96.40) |
248 |
|
| Yes |
126 (52.50) |
5 (3.60) |
131 |
|
| Spinal pain |
|
|
|
0.723 |
| No |
225 (93.75) |
129 (92.81) |
354 |
|
| Yes |
15 (6.25) |
10 (7.19) |
25 |
|
| Respiratory failure |
|
|
|
0.476 |
| No |
234 (97.50) |
137 (98.56) |
371 |
|
| Yes |
6 (2.50) |
2 (1.44) |
8 |
|
3.7.3. Overweight and Family History of Obesity
Table 7 shows the family history of obesity associated with overweight in the workers surveyed.
The association is statistically significant between overweight and family history of obesity in the workers surveyed (p <0.001).
Table 7. Association between family history of obesity of workers surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service and overweight (n = 379).
|
Overweight |
|
|
| Yes |
No |
Total |
p-value |
| n (%) |
n (%) |
| Obese parents |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
131 (54.58) |
107 (76.98) |
238 |
|
| Yes |
109 (45.42) |
32 (23.02) |
141 |
|
| Family members generally obese |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
159 (66.25) |
122 (87.77) |
281 |
|
| Yes |
81 (33.75) |
17 (12.23) |
98 |
|
3.7.4. Overweight and Lifestyle
Table 8 presents the behavioral factors related to the lifestyle of the workers surveyed associated with being overweight.
According to this table, there is a statistically significant association between overweight and physical activity (p < 0.001) and sleep duration (p < 0.001).
Table 8. Association between healthy lifestyle workers surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service and overweight (n = 379).
|
Overweight |
|
|
| Yes |
No |
Total |
p-value |
| n (%) |
n (%) |
| Drinking alcoholic beverages |
|
|
|
0.831 |
| No |
82 (34.17) |
49 (35.25) |
131 |
|
| Yes |
158 (65.83) |
90 (64.75) |
248 |
|
| Tobacco consumption |
|
|
|
0.832 |
| No |
234 (97.50) |
136 (97.84) |
370 |
|
| Yes |
6 (2.50) |
3 (2.16) |
9 |
|
| Coffee consumption |
|
|
|
0.142 |
| No |
163 (67.92) |
84 (60.43) |
247 |
|
| Yes |
77 (32.08) |
55 (39.57) |
132 |
|
| Physical activity |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| Intense |
11 (4.58) |
14 (10.07) |
25 |
|
| Moderate |
74 (30.83) |
65 (46.76) |
139 |
|
| Weak |
155 (64.58) |
60 (43.17) |
215 |
|
| Sleep duration |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| <8 hrs |
21 (8.75) |
29 (20.86) |
50 |
|
| ≥8 hrs |
219 (91.25) |
110 (79.14) |
329 |
|
3.7.5. Overweight and Dietary Practices of Workers Surveyed at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Benin in 2023
Table 9 presents the eating habits of the workers surveyed associated with being overweight.
According to this table, it appears that there is a statistically significant association between overweight and the consumption of sugary foods (p = 0.033). Likewise, consumption of corn dough (p = 0.004) and snacking (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with being overweight (p < 0.001). Consumption of vegetables, fruit, sugary drinks, poultry, red meat, and dairy products was not significantly associated with being overweight (p > 0.05).
Table 9. Association between workers’ eating habits surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service and overweight (n = 379).
|
Overweight |
|
|
|
Yes |
No |
Total |
p-value |
|
n (%) |
n (%) |
| Vegetable consumption |
|
|
|
0.662 |
| Frequently |
159 (66.25) |
89 (64.03) |
248 |
|
| Rarely |
81 (33.75) |
50 (35.97) |
131 |
|
| Fruit consumption |
|
|
|
0.077 |
| Frequently |
221 (92.08) |
120 (86.33) |
341 |
|
| Rarely |
19 (7.92) |
19 (13.67) |
38 |
|
| Consumption of sweet foods |
|
|
|
0.033 |
| Rarely |
164 (68.33) |
109 (78.42) |
273 |
|
| Frequently |
76 (31.67) |
30 (21.58) |
106 |
|
| Consumption of sugary drinks |
|
|
|
0.706 |
| Frequently |
202 (84.17) |
119 (85.61) |
321 |
|
| Rarely |
38 (15.83) |
20 (14.39) |
58 |
|
| Poultry consumption |
|
|
|
0.062 |
| Frequently |
108 (45.00) |
49 (35.25) |
157 |
|
| Rarely |
132 (55.00) |
90 (64.75) |
222 |
|
| Consumption of red meat |
|
|
|
0.236 |
| Frequently |
85 (35.42) |
41 (29.50) |
126 |
|
| Rarely |
155 (64.58) |
98 (70.50) |
253 |
|
| Consumption of corn dough |
|
|
|
0.004 |
| Rarely |
194 (80.83) |
127 (91.37) |
321 |
|
| Frequently |
46 (19.17) |
12 (8.63) |
58 |
|
| Consumption of dairy products |
|
|
|
0.277 |
| Frequently |
91 (37.92) |
45 (32.37) |
136 |
|
| Rarely |
149 (62.08) |
94 (67.63) |
243 |
|
| Snacking |
|
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
28 (11.67) |
40 (28.78) |
68 |
|
| Yes |
212 (88.33) |
99 (71.22) |
311 |
|
3.8. Factors Associated with Being Overweight among Workers Surveyed in Benin in 2023 at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Multivariate Analysis
At the end of the multivariable analysis, female gender (ORa = 4.00; 95% CI [2.11 - 7.76]; p < 0.001), travel for the service by car (ORa = 10.40; 95% CI [1.56 - 75.50]; p = 0.019), generally obese family members (ORa = 3.49; 95% CI [1.70 - 7.46]; p < 0.001), frequent consumption of poultry (ORa = 2.01; 95% CI [1.09 - 3.76]; p = 0.025), frequent consumption of corn paste (ORa = 3.94; 95% CI [1.72 - 9.57]; p = 0.001), snacking (ORa = 2.83; 95% CI [1.33 - 6.30]; p < 0.007), high blood pressure (ORa = 7.65; 95% CI [3 .46 - 18.50]; p < 0.001) and diabetes (ORa = 24.50; 95% CI [9.74 - 76.60]; p < 0.001) were associated with being overweight among ministry of labor and public service workers.
Table 10 presents the results of the multivariable analysis.
Table 10. Potential predictive factors associated with overweight among workers surveyed at the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in Benin in 2023 (n = 379).
|
ORa |
[95% CI] |
p |
| Sex |
|
|
<0.001 |
| Male |
1 |
- |
|
| Feminine |
4.00 |
2.11 - 7.76 |
|
| Moving means |
|
|
0.019 |
| Walk |
1 |
- |
|
| Motorbike |
6.01 |
0.90 - 43.8 |
|
| Car |
10.4 |
1.56 - 75.5 |
|
| Family members are usually obese |
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
1 |
- |
|
| Yes |
3.49 |
1.70 - 7.46 |
|
| Poultry consumption |
|
|
0.025 |
| Rarely |
1 |
- |
|
| Frequently |
2.01 |
1.09 - 3.76 |
|
| Consumption of corn dough |
|
|
0.001 |
| Rarely |
1 |
- |
|
| Frequently |
3.94 |
1.72 - 9.57 |
|
| Snacking |
|
|
0.007 |
| No |
1 |
- |
|
| Yes |
2.83 |
1.33 - 6.30 |
|
| High blood pressure |
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
1 |
- |
|
| Yes |
7.65 |
3.46 - 18.5 |
|
| Diabetes |
|
|
<0.001 |
| No |
1 |
- |
|
| Yes |
24.5 |
9.74 - 76.6 |
|
4. Discussion
The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among workers of the Ministry of Labor and Public Service in 2023.
The results of this study provide valuable insight into the prevalence of overweight and associated risk factors among workers in the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service in 2023. The high prevalence of overweight (63.32%) is alarming, although it is lower than that observed in other professional contexts, such as those reported by Zubery et al. [10] and Richard GK et al. [11]. These differences can be attributed to various variables, including environmental differences, dietary habits, and physical activity levels specific to each group of workers.
The prevalence of overweight in our study, although high, is lower than that reported by Zubery et al. [10] among health workers, teachers and bankers in Tanzania, as well as by Richard GK et al. [11] among nurses in Scotland. These occupations, particularly those related to healthcare and banking, are often associated with high levels of stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and irregular work schedules, which could explain the higher rates of overweight in these populations. On the other hand, the prevalence observed in our study is higher than that reported by Addo PNO et al. [12] among employees of financial institutions in Ghana. This difference could be due to the relatively more stressful and less active working conditions in the ministry context compared to financial institutions or to cultural and dietary variations.
At the end of the multivariate analysis, the potential predictive factors associated with overweight found among agents of the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service were sex, means of travel to get to the service, family members generally obese, poultry consumption, corn dough consumption, snacking, high blood pressure and diabetes. The association between sex and overweight in our study is in line with the results of several previous studies [12] [13]. Women, in particular, tend to be more affected by excess weight, which could be linked to biological, hormonal, but also sociocultural factors. Social norms and gender roles, which influence physical activity, diet and weight management, could explain this difference.
The mode of travel to work, particularly car use, was significantly associated with being overweight. This result corroborates the observations of Zubery et al. [10], who demonstrated that workers using cars or public transport were more likely to be overweight (p = 0.029). Driving to work is often associated with a reduction in daily physical activity, which contributes to the accumulation of excess weight. Additionally, stress related to car travel could also play a role in this association.
The strong link between being overweight and having generally obese family members (p < 0.001) highlights the importance of genetic and environmental factors in the predisposition to overweight. This result is consistent with the study by Barbadoro P et al. [14], which showed that individuals with a family history of obesity were significantly more likely to be overweight themselves (p = 0.002). This inheritance could be explained by shared eating habits and lifestyles within families, as well as genetic factors. Dietary habits such as frequent consumption of corn dough, poultry and snacking were strongly associated with overweight. These results are in line with those of Mbochi R.W. et al. [15], who also found that diets rich in cereals, dairy products and meat were associated with increased overweight (p < 0.001). These eating behaviors, often observed among workers with relatively high incomes, could be linked to greater availability of these foods and to food choices influenced by sedentary lifestyles and cultural habits. The significant association between overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes (p < 0.001) reflects the deleterious effects of excess weight on metabolic health. As reported by Addo PNO et al. [12], being overweight exacerbates the risk of developing these conditions, creating a vicious cycle where being overweight leads to metabolic diseases, which in turn makes being overweight worse.
5. Limit of the Study
The study does not include certain potentially important variables, such as stress level, quality and quantity of food ingested, which could influence the relationship between the identified risk factors and excess weight.
Indeed, diet quality, for example, can have a significant impact on body weight, regardless of total calorie consumption or the specific types of foods consumed. Similarly, chronic stress is a contributing factor to being overweight, but it was not assessed in this study. The inclusion of these variables could have allowed a more complete understanding of the determinants of overweight in this population.
6. Conclusion
Female gender, work-related car travel, generally obese family members, frequent consumption of corn dough, snacking, high blood pressure and diabetes significantly increase the risk of overweight among Ministry of Health workers. Work and public services. These factors should be the focus of workplace prevention programs to reduce the burden of overweight among this category of workers.
Appendix
SURVEY ON THE DETERMINANTS OF OVERWEIGHT AND ASSOCIATED MORBIDITY IN THE PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN BENIN IN 2023: CASE OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AND PUBLIC SERVICE
QUIZ
1) Name of the investigator: ______________________________________________________________________
2) N˚ socket: /___/___/___/
3) Date: /___/___/ /___/___/ /___/___/ ___/___/
4) N˚ IT: /___/___/___/ /___/___/___/
I. SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
5) Date of birth: /__/__ / /__/__/ /__/__/__/__/
6) Age: /__/__/ years (completed age)
7) Gender: Male /___/ Female /___/
8) Ethnic origin: ________________________________________________________________________________
9) Marital status: Single /___/ Cohabitation /___/ Married /___/ Divorced /___/ Widowed /___/
10) Number of children: /__/__/
II. PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION
11) Professional qualification
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12) Orientation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13) Workstation
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
III. ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS
14) Weight: /___/___/___/kg
15) Size: /___/___/___/m
16) Blood pressure: /___/___/___/ /___/___/___/ mmHg
17) Waist measurement: /___/___/___/ m
IV. BEHAVIORAL INFORMATION
A. Eating habits
18) How often do you eat peanuts and peanut products (roasted peanuts, kluiklui, nouga, konkada)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
19) How often do you eat poultry (chicken, duck, turkey, guinea fowl)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
20) How often do you eat red meat (beef, mutton, goat, pork)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
21) How often do you eat eggs?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
22) How often do you consume dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
23) How often do you eat vegetables (amaranth, nightshade, fotètè, lettuce, eggplant, cucumber, cabbage, carrot)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
24) How often do you eat fruits (orange, papaya, mango, guava, pineapple, tangerine, apple, etc.)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
25) How often do you eat pasta (corn, yam, millet, spaghetti, etc.)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
26) How often do you consume soft drinks (coca-cola, Pepsi, Fizzi, Fanta, spirits, mocha)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
27) How often do you consume sugary drinks (coca-cola, Pepsi, Fizzi, Fanta, Sprite, Mocha, syrup, fruit juice)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
28) How often do you add sugar to your food or drinks?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
29) How often do you eat sweet foods (candy, nougat, sweet snacks, sweet bread, sweet biscuits, cakes)?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
30) How often do you eat chocolate?
Every day /___/ Several times a week /___/ Once a week /___/
Several times a month /___/ Once a month /___/ Rarely/never /___/
31) How many meals do you eat per day? /___/
32) Where do you eat these meals? (home, canteen, outside)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
33) Do you ever snack? yes /___/ no /___/
34) If yes, what?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
35) How often?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Physical activities
36) Here are five levels of activities; check the box that suits you best, i.e., what you do most often (single choice).
| Profile |
Example |
Level of activities |
Choice |
| Extremely inactive |
No physical activity |
1 |
|
| Sedentary |
Less than 30 minutes of activity per day |
2 |
|
| Moderately active |
Walking, gardening or equivalent, gymnastics, yoga |
3 |
|
| Vigorously active |
Person doing two hours of swimming or other
physical activities each day |
4 |
|
| Very active |
Regularly participates in competitions |
5 |
|
C. Sedentary lifestyle
37) How many hours do you usually spend watching TV per day? ________________________________________
38) How many hours do you usually spend in front of the computer per day? ______________________________
39) How many hours do you spend in a fixed position (sitting, standing, etc.) during the day?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Sleep duration
40) At what time do you usually sleep in the evening? __________________________________________________
41) What time do you usually wake up in the morning? ________________________________________________
E. Alcoholism
42) Do you drink alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, soda)? Yes /___/ No /___/
43) If yes, how often? Times a day /___/ Times a week /___/
44) How many drinks do you drink per day? _________________________________________________________
F. Smoking
45) Do you use tobacco? Yes /___/ No /___/
46) In what form? Cigarettes /___/ Powdered tobacco /___/
47) How many cigarettes per day?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
48) How often do you consume them? Times a day /___/ Times a week /___/
G. Drink coffee
49) Do you drink coffee? Yes /___/ No /___/
50) If yes, how many cups per day? _________________________________________________________________
H. Taking medication
51) Do you take any medications? Yes /___/ No /___/
52) If yes, since when? ___________________________________________________________________________
53) Name the medications you are taking:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
54) Are you taking medication to prevent pregnancy? Yes /___/ No /___/
55) If yes, which ones? ___________________________________________________________________________
56) Do you take medication to avoid fatigue or work better? Yes /___/ No /___/
57) If yes, which ones? ___________________________________________________________________________
V. SOCIOCULTURAL INFORMATION
58) Do you often feel stressed as a family? Yes /__/ No /__/
59) Do you often feel stressed around your superiors? Yes /___/ No /___/
60) Do you often feel stressed around your colleagues or collaborators? Yes /___/ No /___/
61) Are your professional responsibilities causing you stress? Yes /___/ No /___/
62) If so, what do you do in any of these cases? (nibble, lie down, …)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
63) What do you think about overweight and obesity?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
64) Do you know the consequences of being overweight? Yes /___/ No /___/
65) If so, cite them. _____________________________________________________________________________
66) Is one of your parents obese? Yes /___/ No /___/
67) Are your family members generally obese? Yes /___/ No /___/
68) What status do you have in the house where you live? Owner /___/ Tenant /___/ Family home /___/
69) Do you have land? Yes /___/ No /___/
70) What is your lighting source? Electric energy /___/ Battery lamp /___/ Oil lamp /___/
71) What is your source of energy for cooking?
Electricity /___/ Gas /___/ Coal /___/ Wood /___/ Oil stove /___/
72) What is your means of information? Television /___/ Radio /___/ Both /___/ None /___/
73) What is your means of communication? Landline /___/ Mobile phone /___/ Internet /___/ None /___/
74) What is your means of transport? Car /__/ Motorcycle /__/ Bike /__/ Walking /__/
75) What is your source of water supply? SONEB /__/ Well /__/ Drilling /__/
76) What is the floor in your house made of? Cement /___/ Sand /___/ Tiles /___/
77) What type of toilet do you use?
Improved private toilets (flush latrines, ventilated pit latrines) /___/
Basic toilets (facilities shared with others, no toilets, unventilated pit latrines) /___/
VI. MEDICAL INFORMATION
78) Do you suffer from one or more of the following illnesses?
(Circle the letters corresponding to your positive answers):
a) Heart failure or coronary artery disease
b) Respiratory failure
c) Diabetes
d) HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HBP)
e) Gonarthrosis or coxarthrosis
f) Spinal pain
g) Depression
h) Paralysis of one (or more) limbs
The designer is the author.